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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Resurrecting a 2000 LS650
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Message started by Steve Del on 10/03/16 at 17:22:55

Title: Resurrecting a 2000 LS650
Post by Steve Del on 10/03/16 at 17:22:55

New to the forum and just wanted to say "Hi". I have a 2000 Savage that was my daily rider throughout college. 15500 miles. Life happens and the poor thing sat for about 8 years.

Cleaned the molasses out of the carb the other day and put on a fresh battery and she started, first try, no hesitation. That brought a huge smile to my face.

After rusting up for so long each and every nut and screw is a challenge. Tearing the thing down and building it back up again as I find the time.

Once again, so glad this forum exists. Happy to be here!

Title: Re: Resurrecting a 2000 LS650
Post by Dave on 10/03/16 at 17:41:45

Welcome.....where are you located?

Title: Re: Resurrecting a 2000 LS650
Post by Steve Del on 10/03/16 at 17:48:01

East coast of Florida, in the Melbourne area.

Title: Re: Resurrecting a 2000 LS650
Post by Gary_in_NJ on 10/03/16 at 18:55:19

It's always satisfying to bring an old trusted bike back to life.

Title: Re: Resurrecting a 2000 LS650
Post by RaleighGuy on 10/04/16 at 04:03:26

Welcome to the forum, Steve.

Title: Re: Resurrecting a 2000 LS650
Post by Dave on 10/04/16 at 04:19:18

Have you checked your cam chain tensioner?

You have enough miles on the bike that it is worth a look to confirm the tensioner is not ready to come apart.

Title: Re: Resurrecting a 2000 LS650
Post by Steve Del on 10/04/16 at 06:38:59

I opened it up and took a measurement. It measures at 16mm, not sure if it's worth changing it now or waiting a bit longer. I'll look to you guys for advice there.

Title: Re: Resurrecting a 2000 LS650
Post by Dave on 10/04/16 at 07:18:53

Wow....16mm is pretty good for a bike with that many miles on it.

I would be tempted to get my Versy modified tensioner on order, and after it arrives you can install it when you have time for an afternoon project.

Title: Re: Resurrecting a 2000 LS650
Post by Steve Del on 10/04/16 at 08:22:46

I was surprised too. I expected the thing to be barely hanging on. I'll look into ordering a new one. There's a sticky in the tech section on how to order one I'm assuming. Besides that and the oil cap plug is there anything else I should be looking out for?

Title: Re: Resurrecting a 2000 LS650
Post by Rodger on 10/11/16 at 08:26:16

Hi, Steve.

I'm fairly new to the Savage/S40 myself, and there's a TON of good info here.

Just a few suggestions on your "resurrection:"

1) flush the front brake system with fresh brake fluid;
2) ensure that the front brake caliper is releasing completely when the hand lever is released, and that the caliper can move/"float" on the mounting pins. (Had those problems on a 920 Virago I was refurbishing after it sat in my cousin's garage for several years);
3) thoroughly lube all the control cables;
4) check electrical connectors and light bulb sockets for corrosion and/or arc-pitting, clean if necessary, the coat with dielectric grease to prevent further corrosion.

Enjoy!

Title: Re: Resurrecting a 2000 LS650
Post by Steve Del on 10/11/16 at 17:14:47

Thanks Rodger!

The front brake caliper is completely rusted and seized up, it's going to take some work. It's disassembled now and just waiting for some love.

I think the control cables are good so I'll definitely apply lube to those. The dust boots are in bad shape so I'll need to replace those.

I think the headlight is too far gone to salvage so I'll probably be looking for a new one. Each electrical connection will require inspection. There was corrosion on a few of them. Dielectric grease is a great idea.

I got the engine out of the frame over the weekend and am still wrestling with a few stuck bolts and screws in various places. The front forks also won't budge, trying to remove those now. There's a lot of pitting and rust on those forks.

Title: Re: Resurrecting a 2000 LS650
Post by Mr.T on 10/11/16 at 18:47:39

PB Blaster is your friend on those stuck nuts and bolts. That and heat (propane torch).

Title: Re: Resurrecting a 2000 LS650
Post by batman on 10/13/16 at 18:58:03

the best agent for rusted bolt and nut is a 50/50 mix of atf and acetone,(finger nail polish remover )better by far than any penetrating oil sold.(acetone is highly flammable )you need to keep this mix in a air tight container .